Trying to Put the 'Rapids' Back Into Grand Rapids

6/3/2013 11:49AM

Civic leaders are hoping to reintroduce long dormant rapids to a river in Grand Rapids, Mich. The estimated $27 million project still has no financial backers, but supporters include Michigan's governor. WSJ's Matthew Dolan reports via #WorldStream.

This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.

... I ... I ... the added thrill the identity crisis ... the fast moving water that expired city's name to secure the others actually go ... leaving many visitors disappointed with the tranquil currents they find you ... this was a ... pretty good questions I guess when ... when I Edwin alumni of first-time visitors to me it's me and says will will ... where's the up and she lives in Grand Rapids a ... look at this is pretty tame ... but now a group of white watering busiest environmental engineers and civic leaders ... were looking to put that its backing to Grand Rapids Michigan ... the city's efforts are part of a larger national coach ... to rescue urban waterways long abused and neglected ... especially by industrial Midwest cities ... turning into one a half mile stretch of the Grand River that runs through downtown into Rapids ... would involve tearing down for modifying five victims ... and using excavators cranes ... to install new folder or spend mimic what weather conditions ... mayor George Orwell is a supporter of the plan ... as is Michigan Governor Rick Snyder a lawyer water is is is moving there's something soothing above the river there's something peaceful about forever so far no one has committed to pay the estimated twenty seven point five million dollars it would cost to bring the Rapids ... back ... and some are concerned that the project will increase the risk of flooding ... allow invasive fish to breach the river's estuary is one of my main concern is that the forum of this barrier upstream ... and are offended somewhat of an ravaged by flooding ... plus we have a main concern with all the breads sellers ... to the city are not anchored some wispy that turn up ... said Dan swoons bridges ... returning her Everton at the state ... pray that they love the concept ... just gotta make sure it's downright supporters hope to restore dribble will attract new visitors Grand Rapids ... including whitewater rafters and kayaks ... residents are a little unsure about changing a waterway that they've known as relatively calm for decades ... it is the more rapid than them ... then I'll probably going to cut out some ... with that ... with ... those of us that vision ... I've never seen ... run through a rapid ... they're saying that they use to be ... of sold this is ... going into unfamiliar with ... for The Wall Street John all ... this is Matthew Dolan in Grand Rapids Michigan ...